Surprised at first, Saeki regains his composure when he theorizes that Ippo landing that hit on him was simply a lucky shot. He checks his damages and gets back up to fight by going into Ippo's blind spot once again. Having grasped the right timing, Ippo forces Saeki out of his "safe zone" with a punch. After finally accepting that Ippo somehow knows his location, Saeki decides to time a counter when Ippo throws his right and end the fight with it. Saeki's opportunity comes by, but he freezes at the last moment for no apparent reason and is unable to follow through. Saeki decides to wait for another opportunity to counter and finish Ippo, but the latter is able to land a devastating hit again. Frustrated and in shock at the situation, Saeki is unable to figure out that it was not physical, but mental damage what stopped him from reacting when it was the right time. As he stands petrified by fear, Saeki receives a blow that sends his face up.